Forum Discussion
What has helped you through your journey?
I thought I would start a post to see what has helped people through their journey, so that maybe something might help others.
I will start with:
- Ahh Bra Type tops - I found these great post op and still now, they are comfortable, and great.
- Calypo Icy poles (the mini ones) - I have found these great for my VERY sore tongue.
- Mini spray perfume - I got one of these for my Mum who was VERY self conscious after her chemo made going to the toilet smelly, She used it as a toilet spray when out. As was recommened on another post - (DO NOT use your favourite perfume smell, just buy a cheap one you can stand the smell of. If needed).
- Waterless Hand Sanitiser - I use this all the time when out. I try to keep my hands as clean as possible.
- Vitamin E liquid capsules - I use these on my scars, simply pierce one capsule and rub the contents on yuor scars (once they have healed of course), it works great, and is VERY low allergy.
So there is my first couple of contributions, I hope one or more helps somebody else, and I hope other will add too.
107 Replies
Just the luck of the draw Mich.
There was no specific cause found for my neutropenic septecemia, so there was nighting I could have done to prevent it, it is just waht can happen when you immune system tanks and your neutrophils drop to zero adn all your other white cells drop low too, any germ then can be bad, something your breath or soemthing that has been in your blood or urine etc for year, could just flare up as your system can't hold it in check anylonger.
Hi Shaz
It is amazing when you think how particular you are about cleanliness/infections etc. and you still get carted off to hospital you poor thing. That isn't fair really is it?
Mich xo
Family and friends
My 2 dogs who have become my shadows when I am not well, I can tell when I am getting better as they no longer velcro themselves to me.
My sense of humour
My journal, diary and computer
My juicer - if I cant eat I can drink the juice of all the veges.
Apple cider vinegar, honey, green tea, ginger, coconut rice, fruit and anything stir fry.
Organic home delivery - works out to be no more expensive than the supermarket and delivers to my door weekly.
PJ's - I now live in them. Have lots of bright colours and multiple sets (10 I think) they are just so comfy when I am at home.
Slippers and slipper sox ( I wear the sox at chemo when my feet get cold)
Caps, night caps, skull caps, beanies etc etc - all colours and styles. The more the merrier.
Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash, Baby toothbrush, Sorbolene and glycerine cream. Cetaphyl soap
My medical support team at HOCA Mater in Brisbane - super ladies and men
BCNA and all the wonderful people who are expressing their thoughts.
Oh and dare I say, all inane computer games that keep the chemo fog in check, whilst driving me crazy.
I have been lucky (touch wood), that I haven't had any mouth ulcers and apart from an issue with my tongue at the first cycle, my mouth has been good.
But I do work on it, I have found to try to keep things under control, and my mouth as safe as possible I do the following:
- I change my toothbrush EVERY cycle of chemo, so every 21 days - I throw my old one out the night before chemo (when i finish brusshing my teeth);
- I use soft manual toothbrushes only (I bought a 6 pack of colgate toothbrushes for $10 at Big W);
- I rinse my toothbrush in hot water before and after use (before use, it helps to soften the brush (and maybe kill off any germs) and after use to rnse and kill off anything from my mouth (hopefully);
- I rinse my mouth everynight after brushing with a solution of 1/2 tsp salt and 1-2 tsp bicarb in HOT tap water, until it dissolves, and then add cold water before using, to make it palatable). I Rinse my mouth, 4-5 times, thoroughly and gargle to kill any upper throat germs 1-2 times, then rinse in cold tap water;
- I do not floss (Dentist said that with chemo and mouth germs you can cause issues, by cutting the gums and letting germies in);
- I also have some tooth moouse that I am supposed to use, whcih helps your teeth re-calcify etc while you sleep (chemo can remove calcium etc from your teeth - according to my dentist anyway). It is VERy easy to use (mine is called GC Tooth Mousse Plus and is Strawberry flavoured (came in lots of flavours), my dentists gave it to me(you brush your teeth like normal, apply a small amount to your teeth, with your finger, leave alone for 3 mins, use your tongue to spread around your whole mouth, leaving it for as long as you can (min 1-2 mins), then you spit out what is left and don't eat or drink or rinse for at least 30 mins DONE) - It says on the pack it contains bio-available calcium, phosphate and fluoride, provides protection for teeth, neutralises bacteria and acid.
* I found a cheapie Ahh bra, so if it gets wrecked or stained or whatever it won't matter - so comfy !
* Telling people what's happening has helped me, then they know what to say (or not as the case may be)
* Asking for help when I have needed it
I'm bound to come back and add more as I travel along ! Thanks.
Keitha
- Hi Sam, I haven't seen the ahhhh bra's that do up at the front, where do you buy them from? Love Vicki
- Hi Mich, I haven't had chemo yet but once I do I will be rereading all that good information you have shared thank you. Love vicki
Hi Julie, I found drinking through a straw solved the issue of flushing out the chemo with water. I would fill my water bottle and "suck" away making sure that I had at least 6 containers a day. XLeonie
Hi Neece
I love the idea of a 'Pre Chemo Treat Day'... looks like Pizza for tea tomorrow night!
thanks for the suggestion
Trina
Hi Neece
I love the idea of a 'Pre Chemo Treat Day'... looks like Pizza for tea tomorrow night!
thanks for the suggestion
Trina
